The Horticulture Manager oversees staff or contractors who install and care for landscaping in and around zoo grounds – grasses, trees, shrubbery, flowers, and other plantings. Designs or oversees the design of the zoos outside environment, including animal exhibits, lawns, gardens, water settings, walkways, etc.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.  

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provides strong leadership for the Zoo’s horticulture staff, which includes performance management, development, and training. 
• Consistently maintain Zoo landscape at a high level creating an environment that is enjoyable and educational for Zoo visitors. 
• Strong working relationship with the animal care staff in the design and maintenance of exhibit landscape 
• Close working relationship with the Facilities Department in the design and implementation of project work on Zoo grounds 
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Horticulture Department 
• Schedule and manage outside contractors working on Zoo grounds.  
• Procures horticulture supplies and plant materials. 
• Provides landscape design input for capital improvement projects and provides associated budgets. 
• Develop and implement educational, entertaining activities for Zoo guests. 
• Must communicate well with guests, volunteers, staff, contractors and vendors.  
• Responsible for the professional development and progress of all direct reports 
• Manage design, installation, and maintenance of plant material in exhibits and public areas. 
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and regulations, as well as state, local and federal ordinances. Observes safety regulations and ensures that field teams do the same. 
• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and comply with the policy on driving.   
• Approves and manages expense budgets for department. 
• Follows HZI purchasing policy in dealing with outside vendors/contractors ensuring the Zoo’s best interests are protected. 
• Work with appropriate Zoo staff to co-coordinate projects and ensure that staff are prepared when projects are on-going in their area. 
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through?reduction of waste, water and energy use and?inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.  
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape design, agriculture or life sciences preferred.  A thorough understanding of horticulture and the design of gardens and plantings are required. or equivalent work experience required 
• Five years supervisory experience  
• A sound background in the identification and culture of plants, as well as working knowledge of horticultural best practices 

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. 

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. The Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.